Technology could help patients kick bad habits

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Medication nonadherence is sort of similar to substance abuse: It’s a societal issue that stems from multiple causes and as such, probably will never completely disappear; however, it still can be mitigated. And because it stems from multiple causes, effectively combating it also requires multiple strategies.

(THE NEWS: HealthPrize, RealAge look at social media, gaming technology to improve adherence. For the full story, click here.)

But any effort to address nonadherence ultimately depends on the patient. Scaring patients about the dangers of not taking drugs properly only can go so far, especially considering that many patients are nonadherent for reasons that may scare them more immediately than those dangers, such as high costs and unpleasant side effects. But HealthPrize has found that leveraging technologies that patients use — such as smartphones and the Internet — to give them rewards for taking their drugs as directed by prescribers can go even further.

In a January study of 20 patients, the company found that adherence among patients who received cash rewards and got to play interactive games was 88%. And in a March survey of 100 physicians, respondents said they were 30% more likely to prescribe a medication that included a program with adherence incentives than to prescribe a medication that didn’t.

The possibilities go beyond HealthPrize’s platform. The integration of Ford Motor’s SYNC technology and WellDoc’s services creates another avenue through which people can be encouraged to take their drugs properly. And for retailers, incentives for adherence are a natural fit, with possibilities ranging from discounts to cash rewards to sweepstakes to online and mobile games.

Poll

Poll

Which of the current U.S. Presidential hopefuls do you think would be best for your business?

Hillary Clinton

Jeb Bush

Donald Trump

Ted Cruz

Ben Carson

Scott Walker

Marco Rubio

Rand Paul

Chris Christie

Mike Huckabee

SPECIAL REPORTS

Pharmacy’s battle for recognition continues

Fifty years ago this summer, President Lyndon B. Johnson secured his place in history by signing into law the legislation that created Medicare and Medicaid. To commemorate the anniversary, Drug Store News has put together an exclusive report on the effect that Medicare and Medicaid have had on the retail pharmacy industry and how it has transformed the role of the pharmacist. more...

IN THIS ISSUE

In this issue, DSN profiles Rite Aid and how the company is achieving a vision to become a retail healthcare company that delivers a higher level of care to its communities; takes you on a tour of Sears; offers insight into millennial shoppers and more. Click here to view the issue.